FNAC of Filarial Infections Involving Subcutaneous Tissues (Subcutaneous Nodules)

Pinto RGW, Rodrigues S, Dhakankar SK, Clemente P, Madrekar S, D'Sa O

Abstract

The objectives or this study were to determine the utility of FNAC in the diagnosis of filarial infections involving the subcutaneous tissues and also to study the incidence of filariasis in Goa. We report three rare cases of filariasis in these sites. Two of these were subcutaneous lesions caused by filaria of Mansonella streptocerca and one lesion caused by the adult worm of Wuchereria bancrofti. Filariasis is a major health problem in certain parts of India. However in Goa, filariasis is not common. These cases discussed were seen in migrant labourers who come to work in Goa from other states of India. In two cases microfilaria were seen and in one, an adult worm was seen. Hence FNAC is a useful tool to diagnose filariasis.

Journal of Cytology 2003; 21(1) : 53-55

Key words : Filaria, subcutaneous, nodules, tissues